NELLORE: For some of the recently rescued bonded labourers, Independence Day will symbolise a freedom that is deeply personal - the freedom to leave an exploitative workplace, demand their wages, return home and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Katthi Kotaiah and his wife Gangamma will remember August as their first Independence Day after being rescued from bonded labour. There are nearly 20 workers from the Yanadi community employed at a wood-cutting unit in Chilakaluripet of Palnadu district.
The couple had taken an advance of Rs 1 lakh from the owner to meet their family’s financial needs. The workers were allegedly made to work long hours, while their wages were controlled by the employer. They lived in tarpaulin shelters without clean water, sanitation or proper bedding, and their movement was restricted.
Kotaiah and some other workers eventually escaped and, with the support of Yanadi Tribal Union leaders, approached the District Collector. They were subsequently identified as bonded labourers and released. The couple is now living in Allur in Prakasam district and attempting to rebuild their lives.
In Tirupati district, Nagaraj and his wife Chitra endured a prolonged period of exploitation. They joined a photo-frame-making unit after receiving an advance of Rs 20,000 and being promised weekly wages of Rs 5,000 each. Their wages were later withheld, and they remained at the workplace for one year and seven months.
The couple said they lacked adequate food, clean water and sanitation. Chitra, who had health issues, was allegedly denied leave. The heavy workload and heat severely affected her health, and she suffered three abortions. Government intervention eventually led to their rescue. They are now living in Sangavaram ST colony in Gudur division.
Thenmozhi, a bonded labour survivor who has since emerged as a leader of more than 900 released survivors in Andhra Pradesh, knows this journey personally.
Nearly two decades ago, she was among workers trapped at a brick kiln near Bengaluru. She was still studying in Class VII when her family accepted an advance and migrated for work. The family subsequently faced long working hours, inadequate food, threats and violence.
Following intervention by authorities, the workers were rescued, formally identified as bonded labourers, relieved of their illegal debts and issued Release Certificates.
For Thenmozhi, the certificate became the foundation for rebuilding her life. She returned to school, married and raised a family.
Today, she accompanies officials during rescue operations, educates newly released workers about their legal rights and follows up with authorities regarding Release Certificates, compensation, rehabilitation and welfare benefits.
“Rescue alone is not freedom,” she says. “That certificate is proof, protection, and a doorway to rehabilitation.”
Her journey has now come full circle. Thenmozhi has been invited to the Governor’s Independence Day “At Home” on August 15.
Bonded labour cases continue to surface across AP in brick kilns, agriculture, construction and other sectors. While circumstances vary, financial vulnerability remains common.
